What is an icon?

In computing, an icon is a graphical representation of a programme, file or link.

Users select the icon and then are able to access the associated file or programme.

There are several advantages to icons.

Icons take up less space than simply printing the name of the programme or application in full text. They are also more distinctive and more visually appealing. Users can quickly learn to recognise an icon and associate it with the programme or application they wish to use.